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Septic arthritis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae in Nottingham, United Kingdom, 1985-1998

P Ispahani1, V C Weston, D P Turner

  • 1Nottingham Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|December 10, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Pneumococcal septic arthritis is uncommon, primarily affecting the very young and the elderly. Elderly patients often lack fever and have a higher mortality rate from this Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae commonly causes pneumonia and meningitis.
  • Pneumococcal septic arthritis is a less frequent but serious manifestation.
  • Understanding its epidemiology and clinical features is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and characteristics of pneumococcal septic arthritis.
  • To identify risk factors and outcomes in affected pediatric and adult populations.
  • To highlight diagnostic challenges, particularly in the elderly.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of septic arthritis cases over 13 years (1985-1998).
  • Identification of cases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Comparison of clinical features, comorbidities, and outcomes between pediatric and adult patients.

Main Results:

  • 32 cases (8.2%) of septic arthritis were due to S. pneumoniae.
  • Pediatric cases predominantly affected children under 2 years old.
  • Adult cases (≥60 years) frequently had comorbidities, lacked fever, and had a 32% mortality rate.

Conclusions:

  • Pneumococcal septic arthritis is rare but severe, especially in the elderly.
  • Early recognition and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are vital.
  • Comorbidities and atypical presentations in the elderly necessitate heightened clinical suspicion.

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